Sorry to beat this topic to death, but I have a slightly different twist on my request.

I need recommendations for a backpack as large as my 1992 Terraplane (about 6000 ci), but weighs as little as possible.

I want to make a backpack/sled combo similar to some of the photos already posted on Summit Post. Except for using the Crazy Carpet sled, I will use a real sled.

I want to do a 3 day-135 mile unsupported cross country ski trek under very cold conditions (20F to -35F) across Northern Minnesota in early February.

So I plan on using a backpack and attaching a sled to the outside of it. When on flat terrian, I will ski dragging the backpack/sled combo. When on steep hilly terrain, I will ski wearing the backpack/sled combo. When it is too cold to ski because of lack of glide (e.g., below -20F), I will hike while dragging the backpack/sled combo.

My current set up of Terraplane/48" plastic sled weighs on my scale:

Terraplane (XL) 8.5 lbs
Sled 3.5 lbs

Since the Terraplane is most of the weight, that is where my focus is. I expect to be in sled mode 2/3 of the time and in backpack mode 1/3 of the time.

I will not be carrying a monster load, but probably 25-30 pounds. But, I need a large capacity pack to contain all of my bulky stuff: sleeping bag, mountaineering parka, insulated jacket and pants, Expedition Mitts, etc.

The Go Lite Odyssey is a candidate, but runs a little small at 5500 ci. All suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I currently have a L Osprey Atmos 35 (38L) that fits me very well so I looked at other Osprey offerings and several Gregory's.

I was Impressed by the Osprey Aether 70. I also tried the Atmos 65 but when loaded out it kinda pulled on me too much and was harder to get comofortable with it but it was ok (of course, winter clothing provides much more padding! so its worth looking into) The Gregory's had a too large (for me) lumbar pad that put too much pressure on my lower back (im kinda flat back there).

The Aether had all the right features (can carry ski's) but looks clean. I also checked out the Osprey Argons and they had even more features, more padding (ideal for summer) and were much larger (heavier).

Check out the Cilogear 75L (4.5 lbs). Fully extended I'm sure this would be into the Terraplane volume. Their intermediate size packs carry loads very well for the weight so I suspect the big ones do too.

I like the CiloGear stuff too. I would also look at the TNF Prophet 65, Black Diamond Quantum 65, and the Wild Things Andinista. Light is right, especially for carrying bulky items that don't weight a ton.

There are a couple of packs that I would seriously look at if I were in your position. First is the Wild Things Andinista (as mentioned above). It's not cheap, and if you want some frame you're out of luck, but it is a pretty well built pack and a true classic in the category. I think it comes in around 5500 c.i.
http://www.wildthingsgear.com/prod_packs.php

I also really like Pod Sacs. VERY durable fabrics, clean, simple designs, and fully strippable. You can pull the lid, hip-belt, and frame to drop weight. The X-pod (the big one) is @ 75L (+ a 15L storm collar = 5500 c.i.) All up it's just over 5lbs., and stripped it's about 2lb. 11 oz. Worth a look, and about $100 less than an Andinista. http://www.prolitegear.com/pod-sac-x-pod-backpack.html

If I were you, I'd consider going with the X-Pod, pulling the frame to get it really light for your proposed ski touring, and having an awesome int. frame modular pack for other mountain exploits in the future.

I'm a big fan of Osprey packs for their light weight and ability to carry heavy loads while being comfortable. Perhaps an Aether 85 at 5 pounds might do the job.

Out of curiosity can you tell me why you plan to carry your sled or, for that matter, all your gear in your pack at times? Wouldn't you pull your sled even on steep sections instead of carrying it? Also, climbers are in a similar scenario on mountains such as Denali and we always pull our sleds with a light load in them like just our sleeping bags. This way we can go with smaller, lighter packs.

KevinCraig wrote:Check out the Cilogear 75L (4.5 lbs). Fully extended I'm sure this would be into the Terraplane volume. Their intermediate size packs carry loads very well for the weight so I suspect the big ones do too.

I own cilogear, so take that under advisement.

The 75L is significantly larger than the old Terraplanes. It's the same girth as an Astralplane, only three inches shorter.

Brad Marshall wrote:I'm a big fan of Osprey packs for their light weight and ability to carry heavy loads while being comfortable. Perhaps an Aether 85 at 5 pounds might do the job.

Out of curiosity can you tell me why you plan to carry your sled or, for that matter, all your gear in your pack at times? Wouldn't you pull your sled even on steep sections instead of carrying it? Also, climbers are in a similar scenario on mountains such as Denali and we always pull our sleds with a light load in them like just our sleeping bags. This way we can go with smaller, lighter packs.

Good luck on your trip and let us know how it goes.

I'll add my 2 cents for the Osprey 85. Mine has served me well. It also compresses very well to make do as a summit pack.